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Paint Love

I realize I have spoken to many of you and even advertised about the Paint Love campaign, but I have yet to put words down to fully express my passion for this etheral idea labled "Paint Love." Etheral because it is still fragile and delicate as to what it may become, but also as if it is not of this world, simply an idea haunting my artistic filled dreams.

My desire is for Paint Love to become a movement using art as a way of changing young people's lives forever. Together we can paint love in a child's life by giving them confidence, creative outlets, new skills, alternative activities, and most importantly a reminder they are loved, unique, and full of potential.

Why use art?

In short, because I'm an artist. Haha! Art strikes a cord within me and I am passionate about its benefits for so many. It doesn't have to be painting--it can be poetry, spoken words, dancing, or music.

Art is for all people. Rich people, poor people, young people, old people. (Though I will begin by focusing on youth, mostly girls.) Art touches people in unique ways. It heals, it speaks, it gives words to the speechless, and entertainment to the motionless. It has been said the eyes are the gateway to the soul.

What we see, can forever drastically change our lives, and I believe if we can be a part of creating something beautiful we too can change into something beautiful.

Change happens when joy creeps on a little boy's face when he learns the beat of a song with his hands. He creates music. He learns rhythm. Beautiful things can happen.

A middle school girl finishes a painting and can't wait to take a picture of it, share it with friends, and show her mom.  She is beaming and compliments her own work. She gains confidence. She learns boldness.  Beautiful things can happen.

Why "Paint"?

To paint means to cover. I want to cover those we are helping with love, not just dab or splash, or stroke them, but douse them with love. I want to completely paint over them with the love so many of us are eager to give.

I want to show action in everything we do. Donate canvases, give painting lessons, share stories, give a hug, provide words of encouragement. The word paint denotes action on our part to make an impressional difference in the lives of our youth.

Why "Love"?

I thought hard about calling this "Painting a Difference" or "Paint Change." In the end I believe we are called first and foremost to love. I cannot make anyone an incredible artist, or an incredible person, but I can love them unconditionally for exactly who they are, regardless of what they have done or will someday achieve.

If we are going to paint (cover) our youth with something powerful, it is not going to be change. It is going to be love.

And to love means to unselfishly sacrifice for the good of another. So, if you are willing and would like to Paint Love in your community, join us as we pour out love to young girls with the powerful gift of art.

Next Steps

I am looking for artists, for donors, for small groups, individuals, and clients.

  • Artists/Crafty Ladies:  If you would like to donate your time teaching art (in any form) to a group of deserving young women, let me know.
  • Donations:  We are taking canvases, brushes, paints, supplies, and easels for girls.
  • Clients:  Purchase a Paint Love T-shirt and a canvas will be donated to girls in need.
  • Anyone:  You do not have to be a part of this campaign to Paint Love. There are ways you can pour out love on people everyday.

In the end, I ask that you SHARE this with those you know to encourage them to PAINT LOVE to those around them and if they would like, to join me as I begin to paint love to girls in the Atlanta community.

With love, Julie Ann

Another Afternoon at Wellspring Living

This past Saturday I had the joy of returning to Wellspring Living to teach art once again with the beautiful young women there.  (You can learn more about Wellspring Living and my first experience teaching here.) This time was different as I was the only art teacher leading the group. I had prepared a lesson on painting chevron stripes with flowers and butterflies on top.  In my mind, I had found something "cool."  I carried in my easel and supplies to embark on being the trendy teacher. The environment enveloped me in warmth.  I was greeted with smiles, energy, and uplifting music.  The girls jumped at the chance to help set up and offered their hands for anything we needed. I was overwhelmed by love and by the dedication of the volunteers working with and for the girls.  Two organizers and volunteers joined me specifically for the day.  They were apart of a greater group, a Wellspring Living circle of giving, who had organized the previous art day as well.  These women had abounding love and graciously poured it out on the girls at Wellspring!

Once the girls were seated and ready to paint I brought out my sample.  To my surprise, many of the girls had never heard the word chevron.  Thank goodness I wasn't behind the trend!  But many simply wanted to paint their "own thing."  I bargained that if they would try something new, just mark it out with a pencil, then I would let them paint whatever they wanted on top. Haha! After teaching many times now I should be used this!

I wasn't as cool as I had thought. ; )

The girls caught on quickly to drawing the pattern and were ready to create.  What ensued was pure passion.  It was a bottle of emotion and love that poured out on the canvases.  Paintings for special people in their lives, verses that meant something significant, and carefully chosen colors and scenes.  Some painted the chevron pattern, while others chose their own path.  Either way it was a beautiful example of the power of art.

I witnessed frustration in the creative process and finally triumph and satisfaction in a work that expressed their thoughts and desires.  I was admiring one young lady's finished piece as she began explaining to me the significance of the names painted on the canvas and the person this would be given to.  My heart melted and I was putty in this woman's hand.  We found a shared bond within our family life and she could not stop beaming, but then again neither could I.

Once the painting was complete and everything put away by the generous hands of the tenants of Wellspring, it was time for goodbyes.  I was talking with a girl who had painted with me in May and she announced she was graduating from the program some time in the future and wanted me to attend. I was beyond honored.  I would be able to watch her take a step into the joyous life Wellspring Living has so carefully prepared her and many others to live.

It is a joy to be apart of this organization. You can learn more about Wellspring Living and how you can be involved in their wonderful programs here: wellspringliving.org.

Also, if you are interested in painting chevron stripes, I show a quick step by step here. : )

Flower for Wellspring Auction

Shortly after I had the privilege of teaching at Wellspring Living (you can read about my teaching experience here), I was asked to donate a painting for WL's Field Feast Supper fundraising event.  With Jennie McGregor's permission I painted a photograph from her gallery for the event.  I have painted one piece of hers before, you can check it out in my first blog post. Field Feast Supper was a huge success and they were able to raise almost $50,000 for Wellspring Living.  My painting was auctioned off, but it was donated back to Wellspring Living to hang in the new building for the girls.  I am thrilled and honored the young women will be able to look at my work on a daily basis.  I hope it brings them joy and inspiration to continue to let their creativity bloom.  Below is a step by step of my painting process:

IMG_1482 I divided up Jennie's photograph in sections and drew them onto the canvas. IMG_1488 I focused on painting one petal at a time.

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Some knee action: I generally just paint on the floor.

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The painting is almost done.  Up to this point I have painted it upside down.

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It is finished and right side up!